Source: (2003) Paper presented at the “Strengths and limitations of truth commissions: the cases of Argentina, Chile, South Africa and Guatemala Workshop”. Centre for International Studies and CISA: Peterhouse College, Cambridge University, UK. www.brandonhamber.com. Downloaded 20 october 2003.
The understanding of truth commissions—as one mechanism of transitional justice—has
changed in the last few years.1 In the past, truth commissions were largely understood as
investigative mechanisms with the primary aim of publishing an authoritative and factual
report on human rights violations committed in a country. The societal impact of gathering
information was given little attention. However, currently, “the possibility of holding public
hearings, advancing societal and individual healing, and taking part in or promoting a process
of reconciliation (however defined) has opened wide the question of means, independent of
the final end reached�?. (excerpt)
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